The letter I got didn't give a time frame for when we'd be notified about choosing a new phone, just that it would be done in time to have the new phone on hand when the switch was official. The switch could take "up to a year."

I think what I'm going to do is wait and see what the plans are like for us locally when they send out the paperwork, then decide whether to stay with AT&T or go with Verizon. I'm not under contract now, just waiting to see what will work better.

I'm doubtful as to how solid the coverage for AT&T will be for us rural folks. Their commercials and their maps say they cover 97% of Americans, but that other 3% is the rural minority - how many dead zones will we find traveling in SWVA, NETN, NWNC, WV...
There wont be any tower sharing like Verizon/Alltel had.

AT&T current map:
http://www.wireless.att.com/coverage...34264251&sci=3

Verizon current map:
http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/C...ype=NEWREQUEST